It is expected the Edinburgh march will start at 11.30am in Bristo Square before heading along Forest Road, George IV Bridge, down the Royal Mile to the Scottish parliament. Confirmed speakers for outside the parliament include NUJ president Pete Murray, the SNP's Sandra White MSP, NUS vice president Liz Rawlings and anti-cuts campaigners from Glasgow and Dundee.

One of those occupying the university is Alasdair Thompson. He has blogged on Bright Green Scotland about why they were occupying north of the border in the first place. The key, he said, was to show solidarity with other universities in England and Wales.

"Dress warm. Really. Bring flasks of hot drinks/soup. Bring water and food. If we stay comfy and happy then it will be great fun! Bring drums, costumes, vuvuzelas, anything else that makes a noise!

"We already know of a funeral procession that is planned mourning higher education. We are also planning on calling for Britain's Biggest Snowball Fight!

"At Holyrood we are going to show the nation how to have fun and how to keep warm! If you are a school pupil wear your uniform! Both to show people that we are not then apathetic and to ensure proper treatment from police."

While most of the students join the rally, some are expected to stay behind inside the university. They told me this morning that the occupation was indefinite.